France Family Journey: From Paris to Normandy and Beyond

Welcome to Paris–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.

Included Experiences

• Arrival Transfer: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
• Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group: Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Head straight to the heart of Paris on a walking tour of the Île de la Cité, the island in the Seine where the city was first settled. Cross the stone arches of the Pont Neuf, or New Bridge—which is actually the oldest bridge in Paris! The rest of the day is yours to explore the City of Light. Choose to climb the steps of the Eiffel Tower, float down the River Seine, or explore inside the iconic pyramid of the Louvre, home to treasures such as the "Mona Lisa" and the "Venus de Milo."

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Being the art, fashion, and gastronomy centre of France, there is no shortage of things to do and see.
• Paris Île de la Cité Walking Tour: Head to the medieval centre of Paris on a guided tour of Île de la Cité, the island in the Seine where the city was first settled. Cross the Pont Neuf, which is the oldest bridge in Paris. Pass the stunning Palais de la Cité, the first royal palace in Paris; and home to Sainte Chapelle and La Conciergerie, which was used as a prison to house Marie Antoinette during the French revolution.

Optional Experiences

• Eiffel Tower Admission: Visit the most famous landmark in France: the Eiffel Tower. Opt to climb the stairs or take an elevator to the top for a stunning view over the city. Hang out at dusk and watch the tower light up. (14.50-36.10 EUR per person)
• The Louvre Admission: Examine the massive collection at the Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa and the Winged Venus. While it might take a lifetime to view everything in the museum, one of the largest in the world, make the most of the time you have and try to spend at least a few hours wandering around.
• Cruise the River Seine: Leave shore and discover Paris on board of a sightseeing cruise. With many of its popular monuments right by the Seine, Paris is best seen from the water. Sit back, enjoy the breeze while passing Île de la Cité, the Eiffel Tower and much more.
• Musée de l'Orangerie: Built within an old orangery, this 20th century art gallery holds famous masterpieces of Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse, Armedeo Modigliani, and more. Nestled along the River Seine within the Jardin de Tuileries, this impressive space is most well known for its large series of The Water Lillies pantings by Claude Monet. (11-12.50 EUR per person)

Travel outside the city to the village of Giverny, and visit the home of Impressionist painter Claude Monet. Wander around weeping willows and green lily ponds in the gardens that inspired some of his greatest works of art. Then head to Honfleur, a colorful port town sitting where the Seine meets the English Channel. Enjoy lunch and stroll the streets of this seaside community, where many great artists have painted the rainbow of fishing boats afloat in the harbor. Later, continue to Bayeux, an ancient city that has been sacked by Vikings, conquered by the English, and occupied by the Germans in World War II. Visit a historic estate cider farm for a guided tour of the orchards, processing workshops and calvados cellar. Then enjoy a tasting of apple and pear juice, as well as ciders, pommeau and calvados for the adults. Depart for Upper Normandy and the quaint village of Giverny; where Impressionist painter Claude Monet lived and worked from 1883 until his death in 1926. Monet felt that his flower and water gardens here were his greatest works of art and to this day, they are meticulously maintained.

Included Experiences

• Claude Monet's Gardens: Enjoy a visit and walk through Claude Monet's Garden, inspiration for the artist's water-lily series and named as one of National Geographic's "top 10 most magnificent gardens in the world."
• Free Time: Honfleur sits on the estuary where the River Seine meets the English Channel and is considered one of the prettiest port towns in France. Its quaint harbour and historic buildings have always been a draw for artists, including Monet.
• La Flaguerie Cider Farm Visit: Discover the Vergers de Ducy cider house on a guided tour of the orchard, cider farm, and calvados cellar. You will visit the press machine and enjoy a tasting of their products (apple juice, ciders, Pommeau de Normandie and Calvados). This cider estate is a traditional family business devoted to the cultivation and production of apple products in France. The Domaine is entirely cultivated in compliance with the standards of Organic Agriculture, an essential aspect of the cider house's values. They believe in organic agriculture, sustainable development and short or direct distribution circuits.

This morning, delve into the story of D-Day and the battle to liberate France during a hands-on, sensorial World War II history experience. Feel the weight of real GI equipment, try on a field jacket, and taste the chocolate bars carried in soldiers’ kits. Climb aboard a military vehicle and drive to the nearby Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, the first American World War II cemetery established on European soil. Later, gather for a delicious crepe dinner.

Included Experiences

• D-Day Family Experience and Memorial Visit: D-Day is the largest seaborne military attack in history. Begin with a short introduction to this historic day that marked the beginning of the end of World War II. Then, embark on a hands-on sensorial D-Day experience. Smell military equipment, oils, and delicate Parisian perfumes from the 1940s, feel the weight of D-Day equipment and try on a 1941 field jacket, and taste the chocolate bars carried in the haversacks. Following this, jump in a military truck and transfer to the nearby Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial.

Venture to the amazing Mont-Saint-Michel, an island stronghold perched on a rock off the Normandy coast. Built in the eighth century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been attacked and besieged, but rarely captured—perhaps due to the quicksand that surrounds the fortress at low tide! Head out on an orientation walk, then enjoy free time to wander winding lanes and cobbled streets, climbing from the base of the mountain to its crowning medieval abbey. Meander through the cloister of the monastery or discover the island’s history at a museum. Return to Bayeux and choose to view the incredible Bayeux Tapestry, tracing the Norman conquest of England in colorful embroidery.

Included Experiences

• Excursion to Mont-Saint-Michel: Visit Mont-Saint-Michel a UNESCO World Heritage site. This medieval fortress is considered one of the most imposing sites in Europe, with origins dating back to the 8th century. After an orientation with our Expedition Leader, enjoy free time to wander the winding streets and ally's or climb up to visit the Abbey church.
• Free Time: Explore the cobblestone streets of this medieval fortress town.

Optional Experiences

• Bayeux Cathedral: Visit the stunning Bayeux Cathedral, located in the heart of the town and a prime example of gothic architecture.

Say au revoir to Normandy and enter the lush green Loire Valley. Set foot inside the amazing cave dwellings known as troglodyte homes—charming houses built in and around cliff-side caverns. On an underground walk, delve into the geological history of the region and learn about the local troglodyte lifestyle. Continue to the ancient city of Blois, perched above the lovely Loire River, and enjoy a free evening to relax or explore this hillside city’s many staircases.

Included Experiences

• Troglodyte Cave Visit: One of the most complete remaining examples of underground or cave living is the Troglodyte village of Rochemenier. Part of the troglodyte village has been retained as a museum to a way of life that was still in existence in the 1930’s. Walk through the twenty rooms of the village consisting of two ancient farms with out-buildings and houses plus a spectacular underground chapel carved out of the rock.

Wake up this morning and head out on the water for a canoeing excursion along the Cher River. Paddle past picturesque medieval towns to the incredible Château de Chenonceau. This fairy-tale castle spans the river, while the gardens enclose sculpted hedges, a fantastic fountain, and a tricky maze. Later, venture to the last home of Leonardo da Vinci—the spectacular Château du Clos Lucé. Young travelers can pick up a special "inventor’s notebook" and set out to invent a machine using da Vinci’s ingenious tips and tricks.

Included Experiences

• Cher River Canoeing & Chenonceau Visit: Board a canoe for a leisurely paddle down the Cher River. Reach the Château de Chenonceau, an icon of the Loire Valley, perched atop impressive stone arches that span the river's width. Enjoy a private tour of the castle's interiors, art collection and gardens.
• Château du Clos Lucé Visit: Visit the official residence of Leonardo Da Vinci, where he lived from 1516 until his death in 1519. Learn about the genius of da Vinci and his inventions and art in an interactive and fun visit to this historic Chateau.

Today, be amazed by the Hall of Mirrors in the magnificent Palace of Versailles, a World Heritage Site. Imagine yourself decked out in velvet and gold as you stride between sparkling rooms on a guided tour, or explore the endless winding pathways in Versailles’ vast gardens. Return to Paris and enjoy a free afternoon to wander the banks of the Seine, munch on macarons, or shop in elegant boutiques. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner.

Included Experiences

• Palace of Versailles Family Visit: Visit the stunning Palace of Versailles on a guided tour designed for young travellers. Stop by the Hall of Mirrors and picture yourself as a guest at a lavish French banquet - in this room, nearly all that glitters is gold. Step into the surrounding galleries and tour the magnificent gardens, learning about French history and culture along the way.
• Free Time: Beautiful Paris, the "City of Lights", is famous the world over for its magnificent architecture, glorious monuments, fine museums, and romantic ambiance. Being the art, fashion, and gastronomy centre of France, there is no shortage of things to do and see.

Depart at any time.